E-7 Visa Korea: Everything You Need to Work in Korea
The most comprehensive English-language guide to Korea’s Special Occupation Visa — from first-time eligibility check to permanent residency roadmap. Each part is written to stand alone or be read in sequence.
The E-7 visa (Special Occupation) is South Korea’s main work visa for professional and skilled foreign workers. If you have a job offer from a Korean company and your background aligns with the role, the E-7 is almost certainly the visa you need.
This hub page is your starting point and navigation center for the full 12-part series. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or already deep in the application process, use the links below to go directly to the section most relevant to you.
- First time here? Start with Part 1 and read in order — each part builds on the previous one
- Specific question? Jump directly to the relevant part using the cards below
- Already have E-7? Parts 8, 9, 10, and 11 are most relevant to you
- International student in Korea? Go straight to Part 7
E-7 Visa at a Glance
| Official name | Special Occupation Visa (특정활동) |
| Who can apply | Foreign nationals with a job offer from a registered Korean employer |
| Subcategories | E-7-1 (Professional), E-7-2 (Semi-Professional), E-7-3 (General Skilled), E-7-4 (Skilled Labor) |
| Number of occupation codes | 87 officially recognized codes |
| Minimum salary (E-7-1, 2025) | KRW 28,670,000/year |
| Validity | 1–3 years, renewable indefinitely |
| Processing time | 4–8 weeks (standard) |
| Application fee | KRW 130,000 (status change in Korea) / KRW 60,000–110,000 (from abroad) |
| Family members | Eligible for F-3 dependent visa |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes — E-7 → F-2-7 → F-5 |
The Complete 12-Part Series
Click any card to go directly to that part. Parts marked LIVE are published. Parts marked COMING SOON will be published shortly.
What is the E-7 Visa?
Overview of the E-7, its 4 subcategories, 87 occupation codes, and how it compares to other Korean work visas.
Eligibility Requirements
The 3 general routes, 6 special exceptions, and the occupation match rule that catches most applicants off guard.
Salary Requirements 2025
The exact minimum salary thresholds for all 4 subcategories, what counts as salary, and what to do if your offer falls short.
Documents Checklist
Complete checklist for both the foreign applicant and the Korean employer — with apostille, translation, and submission tips.
Step-by-Step Application
The full 8-step process for applying in Korea, plus the Certificate of Visa Issuance route for those applying from abroad.
Processing Time & Fees
Standard and peak-season timelines, complete fee schedule, status tracking, and what to do if your application is delayed.
For International Students
How to switch from D-2 or D-4 to E-7, the D-10 bridge visa route, and the Korean university graduate advantage.
Changing Jobs on E-7
How to notify immigration, the grace period after resignation, and the E-7 → D-10 rules that many people get wrong.
Renewing Your E-7 Visa
When to apply, what documents you need, how extensions are granted, and the salary check at renewal time.
Why Applications Get Rejected
The 7 most common E-7 rejection reasons — and exactly how to fix each one before you submit.
E-7 → Permanent Residency
The full roadmap from E-7 to F-2-7 (point-based residency) to F-5 permanent residency — with realistic timelines.
E-7 FAQ: 20 Questions Answered
Family visas, travel rules, part-time work, Korean language requirements, health insurance, and more.
Where Are You in the Process?
Not sure which part to read first? Use this quick guide:
| Your situation | Start here |
|---|---|
| Just exploring — don’t know what the E-7 is yet | Part 1: What is the E-7? |
| Have a job offer — want to know if I qualify | Part 2: Eligibility Requirements |
| Checking if my salary offer is enough | Part 3: Salary Requirements |
| Ready to apply — need a document list | Part 4: Documents Checklist |
| Documents ready — want to know the process | Part 5: Application Process |
| Already submitted — wondering how long it takes | Part 6: Processing Time & Fees |
| International student in Korea wanting to work | Part 7: For International Students (coming soon) |
| Already on E-7 — thinking about changing jobs | Part 8: Changing Jobs (coming soon) |
| E-7 expiring soon — need to renew | Part 9: Renewal Guide (coming soon) |
| Application was rejected — need help | Part 10: Rejection Reasons (coming soon) |
| Thinking long-term — want to know PR options | Part 11: PR Pathway (coming soon) |
The E-7 → Permanent Residency Roadmap
The E-7 visa is not just a work permit — it’s the first step on a well-defined path toward long-term life in Korea. Here’s how it connects:
The F-2-7 point system rewards income level, Korean language ability (TOPIK score), education, and time spent in Korea. The full breakdown is covered in Part 11: E-7 → Permanent Residency →
Frequently Asked Quick Questions
More questions answered in Part 12: E-7 FAQ — 20 Questions Answered →
Start Reading the Series
Ready to dive in? The best starting point for most people is Part 1 — it gives you the full picture in under 10 minutes and helps you understand exactly where you stand before moving forward.
👉 Start with Part 1: What is the E-7 Visa? →